Association between mobility level and perceived burdensomeness in older adults following hip fracture surgery: A...

Hip fracture surgery in older adults often results in reduced mobility and increased dependence, which may contribute to feelings of burdensomeness. This study aimed to examine the association between mobility levels and geriatric feelings of burdensomeness among older adults undergoing hip fracture surgery.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2025 and February 2026 in an orthopedics and traumatology clinic. The sample included 181 patients aged ≥ 65 years who underwent intramedullary nailing. Data were collected face-to-face interviews using a sociodemographic and clinical characteristics form, the Mini-Cog Test for cognitive screening, the Geriatric Feelings of Burdensomeness Scale, and the Patient Mobility Scale. Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and multiple linear regression were used to examine factors associated with geriatric feelings of burdensomeness.

Participants had a mean age of 77.96 years (SD = 5.98). The mean burdensomeness score was moderate at 69.63 (SD = 11.23). Mobility scores were positively correlated with perceived burdensomeness (r = .534, p < .001). Regression analysis showed that scores for turning in bed (β = .203, p = .025), standing (β = .224, p = .007), and walking (β = .204, p = .001) significantly predicted perceived burdensomeness, explaining 30% of the variance (F = 10.852, p < .001). Significant differences were also found based on chronic illness, preoperative walking difficulty, assistive device use, and discharge education (p < .05).

Reduced mobility is a significant predictor of greater perceived burdensomeness in older adults after hip fracture surgery. Interventions focusing on early mobilization, rehabilitation, and patient-centered discharge education may reduce perceived burdensomeness and improve recovery outcomes.